Firing Back: GOP Governor Suspends ‘Soros-Backed’ State Attorney Who Refused To Enforce The Law

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) suspended State Attorney Andrew Warren on Thursday, following his refusal to enforce Florida laws on abortion and child sex change procedures.

“State Attorneys have a duty to prosecute crimes as defined in Florida law, not to pick and choose which laws to enforce based on his personal agenda,” DeSantis said. “It is my duty to hold Florida’s elected officials to the highest standards for the people of Florida. I have the utmost trust that Judge Susan Lopez will lead the office through this transition and faithfully uphold the rule of law.”

The office of the Governor also released a statement saying: “Today, Governor Ron DeSantis suspended State Attorney Andrew Warren of the 13th Judicial Circuit due to neglect of duty. The Governor has the authority to suspend a state officer under Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Florida.”

“The Governor has appointed Susan Lopez to serve as State Attorney for the period of suspension,” the statement added. “She has most recently been serving as a Judge on the Hillsborough County Court. ”

“I have the utmost respect for our state laws and I understand the important role that the State Attorney plays in ensuring the safety of our community and the enforcement of our laws,” Lopez, State Attorney of the 13th Judicial Circuit, said in reply to her appointment. “I want to thank the Governor for placing his trust in me, and I promise that I will faithfully execute the duties of this office.”

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“This isn’t about abortion or any one thing, it’s about having accountability to our system of law and order to prosecute crime,” the Governor’s office added. “There has been a pattern developing in Hillsborough County where one person picks and chooses which laws he wishes to enforce.”

“The Governor has the authority under the Florida Constitution to suspend state officials for reasons of misfeasance, malfeasance, neglect of duty, drunkenness, incompetence, permanent inability to perform official duties, or commission of a felony. The Governor has further authority to fill that office by appointment for the duration of the suspension.”

Lopez was previously appointed by DeSantis to serve as a judge on the Hillsborough County Court in 2021. She also served as Assistant State Attorney of the 13th Judicial Circuit for over 15 years and was Staff Attorney of the Second District Court of Appeal.

She received her bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and got her law degree from Suffolk University. Lopez is a Tampa resident and has reportedly been involved in the local community affairs for “many years.”

Christina Pushaw, DeSantis’ press secretary tweeted, “Progressive prosecutors backed by Soros have refused to enforce laws across the country. They treat criminals with deference & victims with contempt. This dereliction of duty is why crime is surging. But [Gov. Ron DeSantis] won’t stand for this. He just suspended the one in Florida.”

Progressive prosecutors backed by Soros have refused to enforce laws across the country. They treat criminals with deference & victims with contempt. This dereliction of duty is why crime is surging. But @GovRonDeSantis won’t stand for this. He just suspended the one in Florida.

— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) August 4, 2022

DeSantis isn’t afraid to use his executive power to ensure the law is enforced and the wishes of Florida residents are fulfilled.

His bold leadership should serve as a model for other governors across the country — and may perhaps inspire other Republicans to take action against rogue attorneys with political agendas, who refuse to protect their constituents.

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